View Single Post
Old 04-23-2007, 01:16 AM   #20 (permalink)
Jes
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 164
Jes is on a distinguished road
Default

I'm on a quest for energy as well. I usually have about one or two days a week at my peak energy level, and here are the variables that I think influence this:

1. Sleep. If I'm lying in bed 8 hrs. before my alarm goes off, and I don't hit the snooze button in the morning, it usually means the day will be good. I'd eventually like to get it to where I wake up at the same time every day naturally, however, as I've heard that's better for you.
2. Caffeine. I've almost kicked it, aside from one cup of tea as soon as I wake up. I'm sure if you kick it altogether, your energy levels will be much more stable throughout the day.
3. Exercise. If I go to the gym first thing in the morning and really nail my workout routine (especially cardio), I'm unstoppable 'til at least lunch time.
4. Food. One small meal every three hours, beginning with a post-workout protein shake. Usually when I'm done eating or at least an hour before I eat my next meal I start to feel REEEALLY hungry. This is good for me, because if I eat 'til I'm full I crash afterward. If I eat 'til I'm 80% or so, I feel like I have more energy. I've also read about tribes who claim that's the secret to longevity.
5. Naps. I take a 23-minute nap on good days at around noon. I've found 23 minutes to be my optimal time because it cuts me off right before I go into deep sleep, which isn't pleasant to wake up from. Sometimes I just lay there for 23 minutes, and either way, it's the most relaxing/energizing part of my day. I could want to punch someone in the face before I take a nap, but as soon as I wake up, life is good.
6. Getting things done. I plan every day out the night before (well, on good days), and I find that when I stick to this plan, I feel more energetic, more motivated, more accomplished ... I just feel better. So make goals and accomplish them. Maybe it won't wake you up, but you'll sleep easier.

So yup. Try those things out if you don't already do.
Jes is offline   Reply With Quote